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Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder
. It can occur after you have gone through an extreme emotional trauma that involved the threat of injury or death.

Alternative Names

PTSD

Causes

Doctors do not know why traumatic events cause PTSD in some people, but not in others. Your genes, emotions, and family setting may all play roles. Past emotional trauma may increase your risk of PTSD after a recent traumatic event.

With PTSD, the body's response to a stressful event is changed. Normally, after the event, the body recovers. The stress hormones and chemicals the body releases due to the stress go back to normal levels. For some reason in a person with PTSD, the body keeps releasing the stress hormones and chemicals.

PTSD can occur at any age. It can occur after events such as:

Assault

Car accidents

Domestic abuse

Natural disasters

Prison stay

Sexual assault

Terrorism

War

Symptoms

There are four types of PTSD symptoms:

1. Reliving the event, which disturbs day-to-day activity

Flashback episodes in which the event seems to be happening again and again

Repeated upsetting memories of the event

Repeated nightmares of the event

Strong, uncomfortable reactions to situations that remind you of the event

Treatment

During talk therapy, you talk with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or therapist, in a calm and accepting setting. They can help you manage your PTSD symptoms. They will also guide you as you work through your feelings about the trauma.

There are many types of talk therapy. One type that is often used for PTSD is called desensitization. During therapy, you are encouraged to remember the traumatic event and express your feelings about it. Over time, memories of the event become less frightening.

During talk therapy, you may also learn ways to relax, especially when you start to have flashbacks.

MEDICINES

Your provider may suggest that you take medicines. They can help ease your depression or anxiety. They can also help you sleep better. Medicines need time to work. Do not stop taking them or change the amount (dosage) you take without talking to your provider. Ask your provider about possible side effects and what to do if you experience them.

Support Groups

Support groups, whose members are people who have similar experiences with PTSD, can be helpful. Ask your provider about groups in your area.

Outlook (Prognosis)

PTSD can be treated. You can increase the chance of a good outcome:

See a health care provider right away if you think you have PTSD.

Take an active part in your treatment and follow your provider's instructions.

Accept support from others.

Take care of your health. Exercise and eat healthy foods.

Do not drink alcohol or use recreational drugs. These can make your PTSD worse.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Although traumatic events can cause distress, not all feelings of distress are symptoms of PTSD. Talk about your feelings with friends and relatives. If your symptoms do not improve soon or are making you very upset, contact your health care provider.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

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